Optical Code Subscription for Cross-Device Activity Feeds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack an efficient method for users to conveniently subscribe to activities or data feeds across various network-based services, especially in scenarios where devices access services through different networks, leading to complexities in user participation and data exchange.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of optically scannable codes, such as QR codes, that encode activity identifiers, allowing users to subscribe to activities or data feeds by scanning these codes, which are generated and presented by one device and scanned by another, facilitating automatic subscription through network-based systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional subscription methods are used across different networks, then users can access services from various devices, but the subscription process becomes complex and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual subscription operations with optical scanning. Instead of requiring users to manually input subscription information or navigate complex interfaces, the system uses optical scanning technology to automatically capture and process subscription data from codes displayed on devices, transforming a mechanical interaction into an optical one that is faster and simpler.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical codes (such as QR codes or barcodes) as visual copies of subscription information. These codes encode the necessary subscription data in a compact visual format that can be rapidly scanned and processed, eliminating the need for users to manually enter or review complex subscription details.
2Productivity
If manual subscription processes are used, then user participation is possible, but computational and network resources are excessively consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary encoding of subscription information into optical codes before the actual subscription transaction. This pre-packaging of data in a compact, scannable format allows for rapid processing during the subscription moment, eliminating the need for extensive real-time computational resources and network communication that would be required if subscription data were transmitted and processed manually.
3Loss of time
If optical scanning is implemented for subscription, then subscription speed increases, but line-of-sight control is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the subscribing device to autonomously perform the subscription action by scanning the code and automatically submitting the subscription request without requiring additional user confirmation or intervention. This self-service mechanism minimizes the operational steps the user must perform, making the line-of-sight requirement the only necessary user action while the system handles the rest automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine may be configured to subscribe a user to a data feed that corresponds to an activity. The machine may generate an optically scannable code that encodes an activity identifier of the activity. The machine may cause a first device to access this optically scannable code, and the first device may present the optically scannable code to a second device. The second device may scan the optically scannable code, and the machine may detect that the optically scannable code has been scanned by the second device. In response to this detection, the machine may subscribe a user of the second device to a data feed that corresponds to the activity. Hence, a first user may present the optically scannable code using one device, and a second user can scan the optically scannable code using another device and be subscribed to the data feed for the activity.